10 Trends We’re Ready To Say Goodbye To In 2018

In the age of Instagram, design trends have a way of exploding overnight. One minute, you’re seeing a single terrarium in a shop window. A week later, your Pinterest feed is overflowing with air plants!

Don’t get us wrong: It’s fun to embrace the latest decorating obsession, from millennial pink to industrial accents. But, after a while, they can start feeling… less than fresh. Here’s the good news: A new year means a new start — and a chance to embrace unique ideas.

Click through for 10 trends we’re ready to say goodbye to in 2018, plus a few design moves to try out instead.

If you ask us, creating that just-right “shelfie” can get a little tiresome. Instead of curating vignettes of too-pretty-to-touch items, try putting together a casual display of things you actually use and love. We’re inspired by this laid-back arrangement by H&H‘s Sally Armstrong, which puts her kids’ art and go-to jewelry on show.

Photographer:

Virginia Macdonald

Source:

House & Home April 2016

Designer:

Sally Armstrong

2. Matchy metals. Why not mix things up?

At some point, the idea of all-brass or all-steel in the kitchen became lodged in our collective mind. We’d stand in the hardware aisle and ask ourselves, “Wait, does everything have to be copper?” This year, go for a fresh blend of metals, like designer Sarah Hartill did in her eclectic family kitchen.

Photographer:

Michael Graydon

Source:

House & Home February 2014

Designer:

Sarah Hartill

3. Global finds — without a story.

We’re still drawn to block-printed pillows, rustic woodwork and handwoven baskets that remind us of far-flung places, but we’re over mass-produced. Not sure where to start? Check out H&H favorite retailers such as Far & Wide Collective and Cambie (shown above), or shop from Shop House & Home‘s collection of curated finds.

While we appreciate the edgy look of open ductwork and salvaged fixtures as much as anyone, not every bulb has to be exposed. In the kitchen, temper the look of metal seating and tables on casters with clean-lined cabinetry and traditional lighting, like designer Margot Austin did in this well-balanced space.

Photographer:

Donna Griffith

Source:

Ask a Designer: Kitchens & Baths Special Issue 2015

Designer:

Margot Austin

6. All-white everything — especially if it isn’t practical.

Bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms in shades of light-reflective white are as popular as ever. But if you’re constantly worrying about mess and wear, we suggest expanding your horizons. Layers of livable neutrals can look just as contemporary and inviting.

Photographer:

Michael Graydon

Source:

House & Home October 2011

Designer:

Suzanne Dimma and Arriz Hassam

7. Words, words, everywhere! Mix up your personal touches.

Decorative letters and signs were still popping up in home stores throughout 2017. And while we do appreciate a bit of wordplay, we’re looking forward to a year filled with unique personal touches. We’re inspired by DIY photo projects, like this board by Cameron MacNeil, that speak louder than words.

Photographer:

Kim Jeffery

Source:

House & Home October 2012

Designer:

Cameron MacNeil

8. Rustic wood as far as the eye can see. Consider more refined pieces.

With the rising popularity of reclaimed wood shelves and tables over the past few years, clean-lined carpentry has gotten a bit overshadowed. In 2018, a smooth, richly stained piece will make a less expected addition to a room. We’re smitten with this polished bench in architect Darcie Watson’s airy bathroom.

Photographer:

Naomi Finlay

Source:

House & Home January 2017

Designer:

Darcie Watson

9. All succulents, all the time — challenge your green thumb.

Houseplants like jade and aloe enjoyed a real moment last year thanks to their low-maintenance appeal. But this year, we’re excited to experiment with more advanced flora. Here, designer Sarah Hartill set a small citrus tree in a woven basket to give this galley kitchen a sunny feel year-round.

Photographer:

Alex Lukey

Source:

House & Home March 2017

Designer:

Sarah Hartill

10. Millennial pink. What’s next?

We’ve now seen everything from clothing to sofas to office supplies rendered in the rosy, eminently trendy hue. And while we still think the color is a pretty choice for an accent piece, we’ve got our eye on what’s next. Ultra Violet, anyone?

It is very common in the clothing industry to distinguish between fashion (what’s new, hip, fresh or different) and style (what actually looks good on the person and reveals who the person is).

It seems to me that the same distinction can be made (and perhaps should be made) in the world of interior design.

I couldn’t care less what Pantone declares to be the color of the year. I want to tell my designer which colors I love, like, or can tolerate so then he or she can tell me which shade or tone of those colors would work best in each room to achieve the overall effect I want. Then we would do the same thing with all the other elements of good design until at last we have a completed project that demonstrates the talent of the designer in making my personality something that everyone that can sit on, touch, or see on the walls.